Mazda3 MPG Review
Mazda3 MPG at a Glance
- Mazda3 MPG is an EPA-estimated 31 MPG (Combined)1 with the standard engine and FWD.
- Mazda3 Hatchback MPG dips slightly by comparison, giving drivers up to an EPA-estimated 27/35/30 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 with the standard engine, FWD, and an automatic transmission.
- Both models have available turbocharged engines with i-Activ AWD® that offer more horsepower but slightly lower fuel economy.
- The Mazda3 Hatchback can also come with a manual transmission, offering an EPA-estimated 26/36/30 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) with FWD.1
- You can learn more about Mazda3 specs at our dealership, Berge Mazda.
What Contributes to Mazda3 Gas Consumption?
Fuel efficiency has become increasingly important to most drivers, which is why asking about Mazda3 MPG might be your first order of business when considering this sedan or hatchback. You'll be happy to know both versions of this vehicle balance horsepower and efficiency well, though the sedan narrowly wins out over its sibling vehicle in the second category.
Of course, other factors besides body style affect your fuel consumption, including:
- Engine
- Drivetrain
- Transmission
- Trim level
- Driving habits
- Vehicle maintenance
This page will go over these factors one by one. Keep in mind that we will be discussing 2024 Mazda3 MPG for the sedan and 2025 Mazda3 MPG for the hatchback, as these are the most recent iterations.
Engine
The Mazda3 Sedan and Mazda3 Hatchback are powered by a 2.5-liter Skyactiv®-G four-cylinder engine that makes 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque with regular 87 octane fuel. However, automakers know there are drivers who like taking it up a notch, which is why they also offer a 2.5-liter turbocharged Skyactiv®-G option for both vehicles. This raises the horsepower to 227 with 87 octane fuel or 250 with premium 93 octane gas. Your torque could amount to 310 or 320 pound-feet, respectively, depending on your Mazda3 gas type.
While a more powerful engine is great for acceleration time, it can weigh down your fuel efficiency, especially when you consider that the standard engine is typically paired with FWD, while the available engine comes with i-Activ AWD®. We explore these combined effects in the next section.
Drivetrain
With standard FWD, the 2024 Mazda3 Sedan can achieve an EPA-estimated 31 MPG (Combined).1 The available i-Activ AWD® system makes the car heavier. At a minimum, the car will weigh 3,300 pounds with this drivetrain, which impacts your vehicle's MPG rating. The 2.5 S Carbon Edition trim with i-Activ AWD® can get up to 30 MPG (Combined).1 This loss comes with great gains, of course, since i-Activ AWD® enables your vehicle to direct power to all four wheels, providing better grip when you're on more unstable terrain or dealing with inclement weather.
Mazda3 MPG decreases slightly when you opt for the 2.5 Carbon Turbo or 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trims, which, as the names suggest, feature the turbocharged engine and i-Activ AWD®. These both can get up to 23/32/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1
Meanwhile, the 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback can get up to 27 MPG in the city and 35 on the highway with FWD.1 With the standard engine and i-Activ AWD®, it can manage 26/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 With the available turbo powertrain, it has an EPA-estimated 23/31/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 rating.
Transmission
Automatic transmissions tend to shift very smoothly but deny you the kind of visceral connection and control of your vehicle that a manual transmission does. Those who are skilled at using a stick shift often find themselves saving a bit of money at the gas pump since a manual transmission does not rely on a torque converter and, therefore, uses less overall energy. Manual transmission systems are also typically lighter.
The Mazda3 Sedan comes strictly with an automatic transmission. However, the Mazda3 Hatchback offers a Skyactiv®-MT six-speed overdrive transmission on its 2.5 S Premium trim, enabling a 26/36/30 (City/Highway/Combined)1 MPG rating with FWD. Compared to the hatchback's entry-level trims with automatic transmissions, you'll see that the 2.5 S Premium with its manual transmission is slightly less efficient in the city but more efficient on the highway.
Trim Level
While many people are drawn to upper-level trims because they're interested in more premium materials, more advanced technology, or more powerful engines, these contribute to the vehicle's weight. Here's a look at the curb weights of the 2024 Mazda3 Sedan lineup:
- 2.5 S: 3,124 pounds
- 2.5 S Select Sport: 3,124 pounds
- 2.5 S Preferred: 3,124 pounds
- 2.5 S Carbon Edition: 3,300 pounds
- 2.5 Carbon Turbo: 3,395 pounds
- 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: 3,395 pounds
The progression of the 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback trims follows a similar pattern. This vehicle starts at 3,146 pounds and generally increases in weight as you go up the trim ladder, except for the 2.5 S Premium trim with its lighter manual transmission.
Driving Habits
Achieving your maximum Mazda3 MPG requires conscientious driving. Avoid overloading your vehicle with items you do not actively need since, as we've already discussed, weight and efficiency are inversely related. You should also try to avoid routes or driving habits that lead to a lot of abrupt starting and stopping. It's better to ease into a stop and accelerate gently, so practice predicting the behaviors of other vehicles.
Don't keep your car idling for long, and rely on your air conditioning rather than open windows to keep you and your passengers cool at high speeds, as the wind can inadvertently cause drag. Regularly check your car's tire pressure to make sure that it is within recommended levels, which is typically 36 psi for the Mazda3. Under-inflated tires lie flatter on the road, slowing you down and harming fuel efficiency. Besides, when you check your tires' psi, it can double as a good opportunity to check the state of their treads.
Vehicle Maintenance
Our Mazda dealership in Gilbert, AZ, also doubles as a Mazda service center, and we recommend you stop by for regular oil changes, among other maintenance. Fresh engine oil lubricates your powertrain, prevents overheating, and helps move dirt and gunk elsewhere. When it's left to become stale, dark, and gritty, it makes your engine less efficient. One of the lighter symptoms of this is that you'll burn through fuel quicker, but leaving old oil to linger could also result in engine failure.
Besides proactively following your maintenance schedule, be alert for warning signs you need an oil change, like excess exhaust smoke, a grinding or knocking engine, or burning smells.
Ask Us More About Mazda3 MPG at Berge Mazda
If you're interested in the Mazda3 Sedan or Hatchback, we invite you to schedule a test drive at our dealership. Our team is familiar with the vehicle specs of various rides on our lot and would be happy to discuss ways for you to get the best efficiency.
If financing seems like too much of a commitment right now, we also offer Mazda3 Hatchback lease deals that can get you behind the wheel of this athletic vehicle for 36 months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mazda3 MPG
Is the Mazda3 good on gas?
The Mazda3 is good on gas for such a powerful vehicle. When you opt for the 2024 Mazda3 Sedan with the standard engine and FWD, you can expect up to an EPA-estimated 31 MPG (Combined).1 You can make several other choices for your Mazda3 that offer impressive fuel efficiency, though. For example, the 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback with a manual transmission can deliver 30 MPG (Combined).1
How far can a Mazda3 go on a full tank?
The 2024 Mazda3 Sedan can travel up to 409 miles on a full tank.2 This is partially due to the efficiency of its standard engine and partially to the Mazda3 gas tank size, which is 13.2 gallons with standard FWD. Opting for the available turbocharged engine or i-Activ AWD®, which comes with a 12.7-gallon fuel tank, changes things, as does going for the Mazda3 Hatchback.
How do you open the gas door on a Mazda3?
To initiate a Mazda3 gas door release, make sure the rest of your car is unlocked, then press on the gas tank door to encourage it to pop open. It's usually best if you press on the right-hand side. If that doesn't work, pop open your trunk. There should be a cord leading from your gas tank on the left side of your trunk. Tug it gently.
Additional Mazda Resources
1EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
2Estimated ranges provided are subject to variation based on factors such as fuel levels, driving habits, road conditions, and individual vehicle performance. These estimates should be used for comparison purposes only and shall not be solely relied upon.
